Get ready to unlock a whole new dimension of creativity! Photoshop, with its groundbreaking generative AI features, is no longer just an image editor – it's a co-creator, ready to bring your wildest ideas to life with just a few clicks and some descriptive words. If you've ever imagined a scene that doesn't quite exist, or wished you could seamlessly extend a photo, or even magically remove unwanted elements, then you're in for a treat. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the astonishing capabilities of generative AI in Photoshop, step-by-step, transforming the way you approach image manipulation.
Let's dive in and revolutionize your Photoshop workflow!
Step 1: Ensuring You're Ready to Generate!
Before we unleash the power of AI, let's make sure your Photoshop setup is ready to go. This is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Sub-heading 1.1: Update Your Photoshop
The most common reason for not seeing generative AI features is an outdated Photoshop version.
Open Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop App: Launch the Creative Cloud application on your computer.
Navigate to "Apps": In the left sidebar, find and click on "Apps."
Check for Updates: Look for Photoshop in your list of installed apps. If an update is available, click the "Update" button next to it. Ensure you have the latest version (or at least version 24.7 or higher, as earlier versions might not have all generative AI features).
Beta Apps (if applicable): While generative AI is now integrated into the main Photoshop release, sometimes new, cutting-edge features are first available in the beta version. If you want to be on the bleeding edge, look for "Beta apps" in the Creative Cloud sidebar and install the Photoshop (Beta) app. Remember, beta versions can be less stable.
Restart Photoshop: After updating, always close and reopen Photoshop to ensure the changes take effect.
Sub-heading 1.2: Understand Generative Credits
Generative AI features in Photoshop (and other Adobe apps powered by Adobe Firefly) utilize "generative credits." Think of these as tokens that are consumed each time you generate content.
Included with Creative Cloud Plans: Most Creative Cloud plans include a monthly allocation of generative credits. The number varies based on your subscription.
Why Credits? These credits reflect the computational resources required for AI generation.
Renewal: Generative credits typically renew monthly on your billing date. They do not roll over.
Check Your Balance: You can usually check your remaining generative credits within your Adobe Creative Cloud account online.
Step 2: Mastering Generative Fill: Adding & Removing Elements
Generative Fill is arguably the most transformative generative AI feature in Photoshop. It allows you to add new content, remove unwanted objects, and even replace entire areas with remarkable realism.
Sub-heading 2.1: Adding Objects and Expanding Scenes
Let's say you want to add a majestic tree to a barren landscape or place a cozy campfire in a forest scene.
Open Your Image: Launch Photoshop and open the image you wish to edit (
File > Open).Make a Selection:
Choose any selection tool from the Photoshop toolbar (e.g., Lasso Tool (L), Rectangular Marquee Tool (M), Object Selection Tool (W), or Quick Selection Tool (W)).
Carefully select the area where you want the new object or expanded scene to appear. For adding an object, make a selection roughly the size and shape of the object you envision. For expanding a scene, select the blank canvas area you want to fill, ensuring some overlap with existing image pixels for better blending.
Access Generative Fill: Once a selection is active, the Contextual Task Bar will typically appear near your selection. Click on the "Generative Fill" button. Alternatively, you can go to
Edit > Generative Fillfrom the top menu bar.Enter Your Prompt: A text prompt box will appear. This is where you tell the AI what you want to generate.
Be Descriptive: The more specific and descriptive your prompt, the better the results. Instead of "tree," try "tall oak tree with vibrant green leaves."
Consider Style: You can include stylistic cues like "photorealistic," "oil painting," "cartoon," etc.
Leave Blank for Contextual Fill: If you leave the prompt blank, Photoshop will attempt to fill the selected area based on the surrounding pixels, seamlessly extending backgrounds or filling in gaps.
Generate and Review:
Click the "Generate" button. Photoshop will process your request and generate three variations of the content in a new layer.
Review Variations: In the Properties panel (or the Contextual Task Bar), you'll see thumbnails of the three generated options. Click through them to preview and select the one you like best.
Generate More: If none of the initial variations meet your expectations, click "Generate" again to create three new options.
Refine and Integrate:
The generated content appears on its own new layer. This is a non-destructive workflow, meaning your original image remains untouched.
You can now use standard Photoshop tools to adjust the opacity, blend modes, or apply masks to the generative fill layer for even more seamless integration.
Sub-heading 2.2: Removing Unwanted Objects
Generative Fill is a godsend for quickly removing distractions.
Open Your Image: Open the image in Photoshop.
Select the Object:
Use any selection tool to precisely select the object you want to remove. The Object Selection Tool or Lasso Tool are often good choices for this. Try to select just the object, with minimal surrounding area.
Access Generative Fill: Click the "Generative Fill" button in the Contextual Task Bar or go to
Edit > Generative Fill.Leave Prompt Blank: Crucially, leave the text prompt box completely blank. When you don't provide a prompt, Photoshop understands you want to remove the selected content and fill it in contextually.
Generate and Review: Click "Generate." Photoshop will analyze the surrounding pixels and intelligently fill the selected area, making the object disappear as if it was never there. Again, you'll get three variations to choose from.
Step 3: Unleashing Generative Expand: Beyond the Canvas
Sometimes, your photo just isn't wide or tall enough for your vision. Generative Expand is the perfect tool for effortlessly enlarging your canvas and intelligently filling the newly added space.
Open Your Image: Open the image you want to expand.
Select the Crop Tool: Choose the Crop Tool (C) from the toolbar.
Expand Your Canvas:
Click and drag the corner or edge handles of the crop box outward to expand the canvas beyond your original image boundaries. You'll see transparent areas appear around your image.
Access Generative Expand: The Contextual Task Bar will appear with the "Generative Expand" button. Click it.
Prompt or Auto-Fill:
Leave Blank: For seamless extension of your existing image (e.g., making a landscape wider), leave the prompt box empty. Photoshop will intelligently analyze your image and fill the new areas to match.
Add a Prompt: If you want to introduce new elements while expanding (e.g., "add a bustling city skyline" to the top), type your descriptive prompt.
Generate and Review: Click "Generate." Photoshop will create new content that perfectly blends with your existing image, filling the expanded canvas. You'll have three variations to choose from.
Step 4: Exploring Other Generative AI Capabilities
Photoshop's generative AI extends beyond just fill and expand. While Generative Fill is the most prominent, here are other AI-powered features you might encounter:
Sub-heading 4.1: Neural Filters
Neural Filters are a collection of AI-powered filters that can perform complex edits with ease. You can access them by going to Filter > Neural Filters.
Examples: Some popular Neural Filters include:
Skin Smoothing: Quickly smooth out skin imperfections.
Style Transfer: Apply the artistic style of one image to another.
Colorize: Automatically add color to black and white photos.
Smart Portrait: Adjust facial expressions, age, and gaze.
Usage: Select a filter, adjust its sliders, and see the real-time preview. Each filter often operates on its own layer, maintaining a non-destructive workflow.
Sub-heading 4.2: Select Subject and Object Selection Tool
These AI-driven selection tools make isolating elements in your image incredibly fast and accurate.
Select Subject: Go to
Select > Subject. Photoshop's AI will automatically detect and select the main subject of your photo. This is a fantastic starting point for many edits.Object Selection Tool: Found in the toolbar, this tool allows you to simply drag a rectangle or lasso around an object, and Photoshop's AI will automatically snap a precise selection around it.
Sub-heading 4.3: Sky Replacement
For landscape photographers, Sky Replacement is a game-changer.
Access: Go to
Edit > Sky Replacement.Choose and Adjust: Photoshop will automatically detect the sky in your image and allow you to replace it with a vast library of preset skies. You can also import your own. Extensive controls let you adjust lighting, blend modes, and even reflections to perfectly match the new sky to your scene.
Step 5: Best Practices and Tips for Optimal Results
While generative AI is powerful, a little human guidance goes a long way.
Sub-heading 5.1: Crafting Effective Prompts
Be Specific and Descriptive: Instead of "flower," try "a vibrant red rose with dewdrops glistening on its petals."
Consider Adjectives and Adverbs: Use words that describe color, texture, mood, and lighting (e.g., "stormy clouds," "ancient ruins," "soft morning light").
Include Style (Optional): If you have a specific artistic style in mind, add it (e.g., "watercolor painting," "cyberpunk city," "photo-realistic").
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different phrasings and iterate on your prompts.
Less is Sometimes More (for removal/extension): As seen with Generative Fill for removal and Generative Expand for seamless extension, leaving the prompt blank often yields the best contextual results.
Sub-heading 5.2: Making Precise Selections
Garbage In, Garbage Out applies here too. The quality of your initial selection significantly impacts the generative AI's ability to produce a seamless result.
For adding objects, try to make a selection that closely matches the anticipated size and shape of the desired object.
For removing objects, ensure your selection is as tight as possible around the object itself.
Sub-heading 5.3: Working Non-Destructively
Always remember that Generative Fill and Generative Expand create new layers. This is fantastic for non-destructive editing.
You can easily hide, delete, or adjust the opacity and blend modes of these AI-generated layers without affecting your original image.
Utilize layer masks on the generated layers to fine-tune blending and hide unwanted parts of the AI output.
Sub-heading 5.4: Leveraging Content Credentials
As generative AI becomes more prevalent, Adobe is committed to transparency.
What are they? Content Credentials are like a digital "nutrition label" embedded within your image. They can provide information about who created the content, how it was created (e.g., if AI was used), and what edits were made.
Automatic Application: Content generated using Adobe Firefly (which powers Photoshop's generative AI) automatically includes Content Credentials to promote transparency.
Why use them? They help protect your creative attribution and provide a verifiable history of how an image was produced, addressing concerns about AI-generated content.
You can manage your Content Credentials and even set preferences for whether your content can be used for training generative AI models within your Adobe Creative Cloud settings.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with advanced technology, sometimes things don't go as planned.
Sub-heading 6.1: Generative Fill Button Missing
Outdated Photoshop: The most frequent cause. Ensure your Photoshop is fully updated (refer to Step 1.1).
Contextual Task Bar Hidden: The Generative Fill button usually appears in the Contextual Task Bar. If this bar is not visible, go to
Window > Contextual Task Barto enable it.No Active Selection: Generative Fill only appears when you have an active selection in your image. Make sure you've selected an area or object.
Sub-heading 6.2: Poor Generation Results
Vague Prompt: Revisit Step 5.1 and refine your prompt with more descriptive language.
Inaccurate Selection: Ensure your selection is precise and appropriate for the desired outcome (refer to Step 5.2).
Insufficient Context: For complex generations, sometimes providing more surrounding pixels in your selection can help the AI understand the context better.
Generate Again: Don't hesitate to click "Generate" multiple times to get new variations.
Internet Connection: Generative AI features require an active internet connection to communicate with Adobe's Firefly servers. Ensure you have a stable connection.
Sub-heading 6.3: Generative Credits Exhausted
If you've used up your monthly generative credits, you'll either need to wait for them to renew or purchase additional credits through your Adobe Creative Cloud account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about using generative AI in Photoshop:
How to get Generative Fill in Photoshop?
You get Generative Fill by updating your Photoshop to the latest version (24.7 or higher) via the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app.
How to remove an object using Generative Fill?
Select the object with any selection tool, click "Generative Fill" in the Contextual Task Bar, and leave the prompt box empty before clicking "Generate."
How to extend an image beyond its canvas with AI?
Select the Crop Tool, drag the canvas boundaries outwards, and then click "Generative Expand" in the Contextual Task Bar. You can leave the prompt blank for seamless extension or add a prompt for new content.
How to use text prompts effectively for generative AI?
Be specific, descriptive, and include adjectives, adverbs, and even stylistic cues. Experiment with different phrasings to get desired results.
How to improve the quality of AI-generated content?
Make precise selections, provide detailed prompts, and ensure your internet connection is stable. Don't be afraid to generate multiple variations.
How to check my generative credit balance?
You can check your generative credit balance within your Adobe Creative Cloud account online, usually under your plan details or billing information.
How to find Neural Filters in Photoshop?
Neural Filters are located in the top menu bar under Filter > Neural Filters.
How to ensure my AI-generated content blends seamlessly with the original image?
Use precise selections, refined prompts, and utilize Photoshop's layer masks, opacity, and blend modes on the generated layers for fine-tuning.
How to replace a sky using AI in Photoshop?
Go to Edit > Sky Replacement, and Photoshop's AI will automatically detect the sky, allowing you to choose from presets or import your own, with customizable blending options.
How to handle "Generative Fill not available" message?
This usually means your Photoshop is not updated to a compatible version, or you don't have an active selection when trying to access the feature. Update Photoshop and ensure you have a selection.
